FARM WEEKLY
27 SEPTEMBER 2007
Getting nutrient know how
FARMERS increased their understanding of the best ways to supply crop nutrients at a series of field days recently in the Wheat belt, organized by FarmWorks and Synergy Consulting and Summit.
Synergy's principal David Pfeiffer told growers that crop nutrition is complex, requiring specialized advice.
Identifying limited nutrients starts with comprehensive testing of both the top and subsoil profiles, he said.
This information, together with pad-dock history and tissue testing, helps farmers understand which nutrients need to be applied.
FarmWorks is able to help farmers get independent advice from Synergy, and local Summit Fertilisers technical staff support.
Former eastern Wheat belt independent consultant Kobus Marais said he was able to increase some customers' wheat yields up to 20pc by addressing subsoil constraints, using the correct ameliorants on specific soils and improving their fertiliser efficiency.
With wheat prices at a record high could provide an extra $120 per hectare, he said.
